Why Representation Matters In The Summer Camp Industry: Celebrating Black History Month
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the trailblazers who’ve shaped our past and continue to inspire future generations. One area where representation is particularly impactful is in leadership roles—specifically in the camp world. The experiences and contributions of black camp leaders are often underrepresented, yet they play a crucial role in creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all campers and staff.
In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on two black and proud camp directors and coordinators. Through these interviews, we explore the power of representation in camp leadership and how their presence positively influences both campers and staff. Here’s a glimpse into their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and why their stories matter.
Meet Camp Director, Hez
Role: Camp Director (4 years)
Hez on his role: “Being a camp director, the camp begins and ends with you.”
What does Black History Month mean for you?
Personally: “Black History Month is an acknowledgement and a celebration of the previous generations that came before me, from my ancestors to my parents and grandparents. It represents the sacrifices they made to ensure the next generation could be where they are today”.
Professionally: “In a professional sense, despite the responsibilities and role of a camp director being full of ups and downs, I see it as a blessing. Black History Month allows me to showcase my gifts and apply them to my role at camp. I often think of the Maya Angelou quote: “Take your ancestors with you,” and apply it to everything I do”.
What are some of your personal and professional milestones or achievements that stand out to you?
Personally: “Graduating with a 3.7 GPA, successfully becoming highly educated, and becoming an uncle to two nieces!”
Professionally: “Becoming camp director at Alexo despite having only three weeks of prior experience in the role. The culture of my camp allowed me to feel that the color of my skin was not a point of caution but a point of joy. Unlike some previous working environments, joining the team felt like coming home.”
What impact do you want to have on future generations and staff?
“Above all else, I want to ensure that future generations and staff arm themselves for what life can throw at them. There is strength and beauty in owning the things that make you unique, and while some people may deny you for who you are, if you don’t let that stop you from being who you want to be, you will be unstoppable.”
“I also think of a Bible quote: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” While acknowledging that these weapons can be formed, they will not triumph over me. Helping the future generation and staff have faith in themselves is my ultimate goal at camp”.
What word/words would you use to describe Summer 2024?
“Growth.” “It’s great to see the progress and development of the campers and staff who return year after year, showcasing the fruits of my hard work paying off. It’s not just my work that allows campers and staff to grow, but campers also elevate other campers around them by applying what they’ve learned. As a guide for future generations, what more can you ask for?”
Any closing statements?
“Ultimately, I am blessed to be in my position and to have the platform I have. I have experienced the ups and downs of camp life but am extremely grateful and proud of where I am now”.
Meet Program Coordinator, Sophie
Role: Programme Coordinator
Sophie on her role: “The person who is going to show up for the campers and staff. It’s about being a mentor and being an inspiration for campers, representing people who look like me.”
What does Black History Month mean for you?
Personally: “Quite simply, Black History Month is about being black and being proud of it. It’s about not being afraid of who you are and feeling good in your skin. It represents all the history of those who came before us and how we can learn from the evolution of what they overcame. The impact of Black people can be seen everywhere—from music to culture to fashion. I’m proud to wear my hair the way I want.”
Professionally: “It’s all about staying true to yourself. While it’s necessary to act a certain way in a professional setting, people look up to you. Whether that be campers or staff, you’re an inspiration to a future generation and need to show that it is possible to achieve anything you want, regardless of skin color. This is why representation is so important”.
What are some of your personal and professional milestones or achievements that stand out to you?
Personally: “In the past two years, finally accepting myself as a black woman in every sense”.
Professionally: “Becoming a Program Coordinator at camp. From starting out as a camper to counsellor to activity facilitator and then a Program Coordinator, it has been a journey with many ups and downs. However, when campers come back year after year, they see my progression and are so happy to see the upward trajectory. This is an inspiration for them, for myself, and the black community as a whole because it gives that hope that they can do anything they set their minds to all thanks to hard work".
What impact do you want to have on future generations and staff?
“To make sure campers and staff know it is okay to be yourself. It’s good to want to switch things up and try new things, but it is important not to copy others because you can achieve anything, and the color of your skin does not define who you are. Try seeing the world and people around you for their souls, not by the color of their skin”.
What word/words would you use to describe Summer 2024?
“Self-discovery.” “Last summer was all about loving myself as a Black woman. I was in my “healing era,” learning how to communicate and learn every day by trial and error”.
Any closing statements?
“Always stay true to yourself. Don’t lose yourself in the sauce by trying to stand out. Don’t let what you see on social media influence your journey, as you are your own person, and you are the one who will get you through life”.
The insights shared by Hez and Sophie highlight the profound importance of representation in leadership roles, especially in a camp environment. By seeing leaders who are like them, campers and staff are inspired to embrace their own identities and overcome challenges with strength and confidence. Representation not only enriches the camp experience but also fosters a more inclusive and empowering atmosphere for all. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month and beyond, it’s crucial to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of Black leaders in the camp community. Their influence ripples through generations, shaping future leaders and fostering a culture of growth and empowerment.
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